The Ale Knights are an organization of friends whopartake in revelry, drinking, game playing, story telling,music, and friendships.The Ale Knights often meet to discuss social issues,share homemade ale and mead, play board and strategygames, or smoke a cigar.During the holidays, the Ale Knights celebrate withparties and revelry.

2000/12/29 -This evening we inducted a new member into the Ale Knights,Sir Barley Friend.Sir Barley Friend has been a true and just drinking friend of theAle Knights for many years.Although his appearance have been rare, he always shows witha warm heart, plenty of tales, a love for good ale, and a willingnessto drink himself to incoherance.

The ceremony of induction was conducted by Sir Bacardi,the High Priest of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest,and attended by many luminary figures.Bernie, the Duke of Chutney attended his first, "Southern Ale Knights"ceremony, fully resplendant in Renaissance garb and bearingJameson's whiskey that we all stole from him.Many Ale Knights chanted and splashed good ale upon Sir Barley Friend,who was willingly and lovingly accepted in to the fold.

All hail Sir Barley Friend.

A Salute to Saint Arnold

Today we salute Saint Arnold, the patron saint of brewers, who lived from580 to 640 A.D..

"As Bishop of Metz, Saint Arnold spent his life warning of the dangers ofdrinking water and extolling the virtues of ale.During his funeral, his pallbearers stopped to slake their thirst,but regretfully there was just one mug of ale to share among them.Then a miracle came to pass....that one mug never ran dry,and all of the thirsty mourners in the entire gathering were satisfied."

This quote taken from a bottle of Saint Arnold Amber Ale,an extremely good brew of Houston,Texas.

What Do the Ale Knights Stand For?

We are a group of friends who partake in one or more the following rituals:

Drinking

Questing for the Holy Ale

Gaming

Parties

Good Food and Ale

Story Telling

Conversation

Music

Medieval Weapons

Drinking

The Ale Knights welcome all friends, men and women, young and old, near and far tocome join us in our pursuit of good times and the quest for the Holy Ale.

We meet frequently throughout the year as we have for the last 20 yearsto partake in these rituals and pass away the evening inhappy repost.

Are You Guys Really Knights?

Click to see Dave battle (569 KB GIF)

Well the Queen of England doesn't think so, but then she's never really met us.Nevertheless, we act in honorable and chivalrous fashion, doing good deeds when we can.Sir Barcardi, Lady Mary, and Sir Tork own a bit of medieval clothing,and Sir Barcardi knows how to wield the swords.If you don't believe me, see for yourself.

We also drink quite a bit, and this aids in the questing.

When Did the Ale Knights Begin?

The Ale Knights began as friends in the mid 1970s.The friends would meet at parties and gatheringsenjoying fine ale, good food, the summer sunor the winter's evenings.

Our history is preserved in the lore and tales of the Ale Knights,a brief sampling of which is provided below.

Where did the rest of the most excellent and noble tales go?They have been carefully removed from this site and published inThe Most Noble History and Tales of the Ale Knights.Please contact the author for a copy of this profound tome.

Who Are the Ale Knights?

Here are but a few of the names, titles and most Holy Booze of the Ale Knights.

Name

Title

Most Holy Booze

Sir Porkalot

King of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Gin

Lady Jane

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Pinus Colossus

Sir Barcardi

High Priest of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Rum

Lady Mary

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Blush Wine

Sir Gallavant

Guardian of the Women of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Scotch

Lady Kathy

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Wine

Sir Valiant

Master of the Brew of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest, Guardian of the Grog of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Vodka

Lady Sue

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Tequila

Sir Paul

The Black Knight, a.k.a. the Marquis Manz

Myer's Dark Rum (Coke optional)

Lady Liz

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest, a.k.a the Marques Manz

Tanqueray and Tonic

Sir Void

Knight of the Holy Ale Quest

Gin

Lady Amy

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

-

Sir Oblivious

The Keeper of the Keg of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest, Guardian of the Grog of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Barley Wine

Lady Laurie

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Zinfandel

Sir Grassanod

Guardian of the Cod Piece of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Mead

Lady Laura

Lady of the Holy Ale Quest

Wine?

Sir Tork

Weapon keeper of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Mead

Sir Barley Friend

Woad Raider of the Knights of the Holy Ale Quest

Good Ale

And the list goes on and on and on.

What Can I Learn From the Ale Knights?

You can learn a lot that pertains to drinking andsinging if you read on in one of the following pages:

Ale Quest 2006- a noble recounting of this fine quest on August 5, 2006 by Sir Bacardi.

Ale Quest 2005- a noble recounting of this fine quest on August 2005 by Sir Bernard Duke of Chutney.

Ale Quest 2004- a presentation of an Ale Knight shield in August 2004 by Sir Bacardi.

Ale Quest 2002- a noble recounting of this fine quest on August 31st, 2002 by Sir Bacardi.

How Does One Become an Ale Knight?

To become an Ale Knight, one must be nominated byan existing Ale Knight via a petition to the King.The nomination is only bestowed upon individualsof high caliber who demonstrate the attributesand qualities worthy of an Ale Knight.Although the following description applies to men,the process is similar for womenexcept the titles are Courtier and Ladyinstead of Squire and Knight.

When one is nominated, they receive the noble titleof Squire .The candidate may refuse the honor, but if oneaccepts it, let it be known that the candidate seeksto become a Knight of the Holy Ale Quest.At this point the Knights aid the Squire in his quest,providing drinks, inviting one to partiesand high ceremonies.Knights come from near and far to meet the Squireand provide insight to the candidate's suitability,worthiness, and aptitude for the Quest of the Holy Ale.

Later, if the King grants the petition and all are in agreement,Ale Knights convene at the nearest holiday or festival to attemptto knight the candidate.Usually Ale Knights will wait until the candidate hasan excess of liquor or in some other way has demonstratedoneself to be a complete fool in the company of one's friends.

When these conditions are met and the gathering nears its end,the Knights remove the Squire to a secret outdoor place.The Formal Ceremony of Knighthood is performedand the Knights exchange vows.At this point the Royal Scepter is revealed,spouting ale and wisdom, and conferring knighthood upon the Squire,forever to remain and uphold the virtues ofKnights of the Holy Ale Quest.A vision of Ned flashes and most Knights lose memory of theceremony.Often a newly initiated Knight loses the contentsof one's stomach to Mother Earth,which is why the ceremony is usually performed outside.

Free Drink Card

Print and save. Present this card at any participating bar to receive one free drink, courtesy of the Ale Knights.